The nature of the match against Indonesia will be very different from the clash with Japan. Coach Philippe Troussier and his team may plan to play offensively in this match, aiming for victory. Therefore, the French coach may make some personnel adjustments.
In the match against Japan, Troussier did not include any strikers in the reserve list. Neither Nguyen Van Toan nor Nguyen Van Tung were registered. However, when playing against Indonesia, the Vietnamese team needs full firepower, and it would not be surprising if these two players are used, or even start.
Nguyen Van Toan could start.
In goal, Nguyen Filip was undoubtedly the optimal choice. The 1992-born goalkeeper made four other excellent saves to thwart the Japanese players' attacks. Despite conceding four goals, Nguyen Filip's debut can hardly be described as bad.
Positioned in front of him will be the trio of central defenders Phan Tuan Tai, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, and Nguyen Thanh Binh. They completed over 200 passes – accounting for nearly half of the Vietnamese team's total passes in their opening match.
Thanh Bình needs to improve his concentration and make more decisive decisions. He still makes many mistakes and lacks comfort when he has the ball at his feet. If Duy Mạnh is fit enough to play, Thanh Bình will lose his place.
The right flank may see a change as Van Thanh will replace Xuan Manh, who didn't perform well defensively in the match against Japan. Against Indonesia, more attacking opportunities are needed, and Van Thanh is a choice that offers more options for building up play. On the opposite flank, Vo Minh Trong will still be trusted after what he has shown.
In midfield, when not needing to focus all efforts on defense, Coach Troussier can revert to his preferred midfield pairing of Nguyen Thai Son and Nguyen Tuan Anh. Coach Troussier was cautious when he substituted Tuan Anh after the first half in the match against Japan. He will have enough stamina to "work hard" against Indonesia.
In the attack, Tuan Hai remains the most important striker. Dinh Bac has a minor injury but will play as a left winger. Nguyen Van Toan, with his speed and ability to penetrate defenses, will be a good option on the right flank.
The match between the Vietnam national team and the Indonesia national team will take place at 9:30 PM on January 19th.
Predicted lineups for Vietnam vs Indonesia
Nguyen Filip - Nguyen Thanh Binh, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Phan Tuan Tai - Vu Van Thanh, Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Tuan Anh, Vo Minh Trong - Nguyen Van Toan, Pham Tuan Hai, Nguyen Dinh Bac.
Mai Phuong
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